Tag: Natural History

An Afternoon Aboard the Mystic Sea

June 28, 2014

This unique guided history tour by master story-teller and long-time Lopezian, Monte Hughes, will leave Spencer’s Landing at noon on June 28 to circumnavigate Lopez Island, returning around 4:00. We’ll hear Monte’s hilarious stories, many passed down from his grandfather and father, about early days on Lopez.

The Mystic Sea Charter is a great way to see many historic sites from the water and enjoy Lopez Island’s spectacular coast and abundant wildlife.

Monte will be joined by other Lopez historians, including Gary Alexander relating stories of some the earliest Lopez settlers, and Jim Kenagy (the Burke Museum’s mammal guy, emeritus) talking about Lopez Island’s natural history. (Did you know there was a Smithsonian Institution collecting expedition that came to Lopez in 1841?)

Tickets are $120 each, and include hearty snacks and refreshments.

Please reserve your tickets today—space is limited.

The classic 100ft. Mystic Sea is a fast, ocean-rated, Coast Guard certified vessel. She offers a heated, enclosed aft deck, and excellent inside and outside viewing. The comfortable, heated main cabin has booth seating, an excellent sound system, and two restrooms.

Please call us at 360-468-2049 if you have any questions.

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Mammals on Lopez—an historical perspective

Presented by Jim Kenagy

Thursday February 8th, 7:00pm

The diversity and natural history of Lopez Island mammals now and in the past, presented in an illustrated talk by Jim Kenagy, Curator of Mammals at the Burke Museum. With glacial ice covering the San Juan Islands on many occasions during the Pleistocene, the resident roster of land mammals has probably shrunk and expanded many times. How have mammals managed to re-colonize? What species are the successful natural colonists, and which were introduced by humans? This program will emphasize the historical biogeography of mammals to account for the diversity of mammals we have on Lopez today.

Gold Fever 1850-1900 (plus rumors of gold on Lopez)

Presented by Gary Alexander

Thursday March 15th, 7:00pm

In honor of the 150th anniversary of the 1857 Fraser River (BC) Gold Rush, the former editor of “Gold Newsletter” offers an examination of man’s obsession with the Midas Metal, tracing the remnants of a small army of failed argonauts who retreated to our island chain, first to squat (launching the Pig War), then farm, marry and settle here.

Coastal Erosion—wind, waves, rock & sand

Presented by Ian Lange

Thursday April 12th, 7:00pm

We will delve into the different types of coast lines including those with and without beaches, how they are affected by waves, and what folks do to aggravate coastal erosion and slope failure. Pictures will accompany the talk.

People of the Salish Sea

Presented by Bill Holm

Thursday May 10th, 7:00pm

The Central Coast Salish peoples who inhabit the shores of the inland waterways of “The Salish Sea”—Georgia Strait, the San Juan Islands, Juan de Fuca Strait, and Puget Sound— developed a dynamic culture and belief systems that distinguish them from the rest of the Northwest Coast. Pictures of dwellings, canoes, subsistence activities, and art will be used to illustrate aspects of that culture.

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Location & Hours

We are located in the heart of Lopez Village on Weeks Road, across from Islander's Bank. Click here for directions.Hours: Noon to 4:00pm, Wednesday through Sunday, from May through September.
We are also open year-round for research projects by appointment. Call 360-468-2049 or email us at lopezmuseum@rockisland.com